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Every week, I maintain THE TEMPLATE, an award-winningWinner of the 2015 Plank Center Award (public relations org.) for commitment to mentorship. blog that's been viewed more than 1.5 million times by people all over the world. In every column, I provide step-by-step instruction to help you become a stronger communicator. Like I always say, "Write well, open doors!"

May 26, 2014

6 Most Powerful Words in Networking

By Danny Rubin

Because people have complained for a long time the settings are too confusing. So the company made a change.

“How?”

Now, new users of the site will have privacy settings default to “Friends,” instead of “Public,” which had been the case for many years.

“Why?”

You ask a lot of questions, don’t you?

“Ha, yea. I guess I do.”

—

Want to be a great networker? Learn to love WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY and HOW.

The six words demonstrate maturity, selflessness and a natural curiosity. They prove you can set yourself aside and be genuinely interested in another person’s life. You know, authenticity. And perhaps through all your questions, you’ll find new ways to connect or advance your career.

“Curiosity is more important than knowledge.” ― Albert Einstein

WHO should I talk to like this?

Anyone. A stranger at a happy hour, someone you’ve asked to meet for coffee or even a random person you sit next to on a plane. Everyone else knows something you don’t. Why spend the entire time talking? What will you learn? [TWEET THIS]

WHAT do I talk about?

You talk about what the other person wants to talk about. Let he/she guide the conversation. If he says, “I like my job, but it can be tough at times,” then you come right back with “What makes it tough?”

Sample question: What kind of projects are you working on?

WHEN is the most appropriate time?

Anytime. People love to talk about themselves. In fact, they’ll probably give you as much info as you can handle. They think: “You’re curious about what I do for a living? Of course I’ll blab about it!”

Sample question: When did you decide to focus on that aspect of your career?

WHERE are the best places?

Anywhere, but specifically situations where you could aid your career. Networking events, work conferences and job interviews are great places to give the six words a whirl.

WHY is it such an effective strategy?

With each question, you take the conversation deeper and build trust. Plus, if you two find a way to network further, the person is more likely to help because he likes you — and all you did was let him ramble on about himself!

Sample question: Why did you decide to pursue a master’s degree?

HOW do I keep up all the questions?

You listen intently. You stay in the moment, absorb what the person has to say and come back with a thoughtful response.

Sample question: How did you start your own business? What was the process?

—

In conversation, our instinct is to dive right in and say, “Well, I…”

But you…you’re smarter than that. You understand the power of WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY and HOW.

Those six words allow you to forge relationships, broaden your knowledge and create new career opportunities.

“Why?”

When you focus on others, the world starts to shift in your favor. [TWEET]